Cultural syncretism: an investigative study of nineteenth century Sikh Fresco paintings in Baba Sir Khem Singh Bedi's Haveli in Punjab/Pakistan. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021) - Asghar, Muhammad
ABSTRACT: This paper is an exploration and investigation of the frescoes that decorate the majestic haveli (mansion) of Baba Sir Khem Singh Bedi (1832–1905), a Sikh social and education reformer and religious leader. The haveli was constructed in the late nineteenth century. The frescoes are beautiful and interesting in themselves and fill the walls with a plethora of colour and design. They are unique because they represent three religions and cultures, i.e. Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam. Thus this art work is evidence of cultural syncretism. This study used ethnographic field research of the subject at the site and analysis of secondary data. Through close examination of and interpreting these icons this study concluded that this collection must have been Baba Khem Singh's tribute to the religious and historical personalities he admired; his intention to depict the Sikh religion in its truer sense of belief in a more inclusive theology and his own practical and benevolent religious idealism and also to promote cross culture/religious harmony. This study surmised that displaying these frescoes in his domestic environment gave this 'pilgrim of the soul' a transcendental sense of security, protection and certitude in portraying a broader and friendlier universe. The condition of the historic haveli is deteriorating rapidly and the government has not designated it as a heritage site so that it may be protected. Therefore, this study would like to suggest that perhaps UNESCO might consider this site worth conserving.